Malawi’s First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has asked players in the health sector to continue collaborating with the government in mobilizing resources needed for combating tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy.
Speaking at the commemoration of this year’s World TB and Leprosy Day at Mgona Ground in Lilongwe, Chakwera stated that war against the two diseases is far from complete; hence, the need for the stakeholders to work closely in mobilizing resources.
“We must continue to mobilize resources, combat stigma, and support those affected. I call upon all partners and stakeholders—local and international—to strengthen collaboration and unity of purpose,” she said.
However, the First Lady expressed excitement with the significant strides the country has made in eliminating the diseases.
She reported that TB incidence has declined from 197 per 100,000 people in 2015 to 119 per 100,000 in 2023—a 40% reduction, a trajectory the First Lady believes will enable Malawi reach the End TB targets within the next five years.
She also disclosed that treatment success rates have improved from 82 percent in 2015 to 91 percent in 2023.
“Additionally, the rate of HIV co-infection among TB patients dropped from 50% in 2018 to 43% in 2024. Even among those with drug-resistant TB, treatment success rose from 55% in 2018 to 72% in 2022,” said madam Chakwera.
A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) said TB cannot be defeated without proper financing, calling for a bold, diversified approach to fund innovation, close gaps in access to TB prevention, treatment, and care, and advance research and innovation.
He said increased domestic and partner funding is essential to effectively eliminate TB.
“It is pleasing to note that Malawi has made significant progress in controlling TB. Notable achievements include high treatment success rates at 90% for drug-sensitive TB patients since 2020, successful integration of TB and HIV services, and improved access to shorter, more effective drug-resistant TB treatment regimens. This has led to a decline in mortality by 54% among HIV-negative individuals and 60% among HIV-positive individuals. Despite these achievements, Malawi remains categorized as one of the high-burden TB/HIV countries, with a TB/HIV coinfection rate of 56 per 100,000 population,” he said.
Meanwhile, Madam Chakwera has commended journalists for their greater role and contribution towards eliminating TB and leprosy through their reporting.